Is there any GST on freight charges?

Asked by: Scot Wiza I  |  Last update: July 9, 2026
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Yes, GST is applicable on freight charges in India, typically ranging from 5% to 18% depending on the mode of transport and whether Input Tax Credit (ITC) is claimed. Road and rail transport generally attract 5% GST, while air and sea freight are usually taxed at 18%.

What is GST on freight charges?

The GST rate on freight by Goods Transport Agencies is 5% (without ITC) or 12% (with ITC) under forward charge and 5% under reverse charge.

Is there GST charged on freight?

Domestic freight transportation services are generally subject to the GST at a rate of 5%, or the HST at the applicable harmonized rate if made in a participating province, but may qualify for zero-rating in certain circumstances if they are part of an international freight movement.

Do you have to pay GST on freight?

In most cases, GST is applied to the taxable value of imports, which includes the cost of the goods, insurance and freight (CIF).

Is GST charged on freight costs?

What Transport Services Are Subject to GST? Most domestic transport and logistics services are taxable and attract the standard 10% GST. This includes: Freight and cargo handling within Australia.

🚚 How to Record Freight Charges in Tally Prime for GST Sales & Purchases! 🔥

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How to calculate freight charges in GST?

To calculate GST on freight charges in India, first determine the applicable GST rate based on the mode of transportation—typically 5% for road and rail, and 18% for air and sea freight. Multiply the freight charge amount by the applicable GST rate.

What transactions are not subject to GST?

These include bank transfers between accounts, stamp duty, depreciation and salary/wages. These are purchases/sales that have a 0% GST rate. Examples include, purchasing items from overseas (exports); purchasing items from within Australia that are not subject to GST, eg. fresh food, some education.

Do you pay GST before or after shipping?

All duty and GST will have to be paid in full prior to delivery.

Are freight charges taxable?

Yes, GST is applicable on freight charges when the service is provided by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA).

Is freight zero rated or exempt?

International freight transport was zero-rated at the start of VAT in 1973. The zero rate also applied to related services such as the handling of cargo, the handling of exports and imports, and intermediary services in arranging any of these.

Does shipping charge include GST?

Yes. As per GST supply rules , delivery, shipping, or transportation charges are considered part of a composite supply when billed along with the main product or service. This means: If a seller charges separately for delivery, GST is applied at the same rate as the main product or service.

Is GST payable on export freight?

(Goods Going Out of India)

It was valid until September 30, 2022. After that, the exemption ended, and export freight became taxable again. From October 1, 2022, shipping lines or freight service providers must charge GST on export freight services.

Does GST get charged on shipping?

The GST is applied to transportation services at either at the current rate percent or at 0 percent (zero-rated). PURE DOMESTIC MOVEMENTS When the shipment origin and destination are in Canada, the GST/HST/QST will be applied at the appropriate rate percentage based on destination.

Can GST be charged on delivery?

A GST registered redeliverer will charge GST on the cost of their services and the value of the goods when delivering goods to you. The overseas business that makes the original sale shouldn't charge GST as they're not sending the goods to Australia.

What is zero rated GST?

Zero-rated

Certain taxable supplies are taxed at the rate of 0% rather than at the standard rate of 15%. You must include all zero-rated supplies in box 5 on your GST return along with your total taxable supplies. Supplies that are zero-rated in certain situations include; Duty-free goods.

What is the GST rate for freight charges?

GST on Freight Charges Applicable to Air Freight

Air freight services are typically subject to 18% GST, both for domestic and international air cargo transportation.

What transactions are exempt from GST?

Common Examples of GST Exempt Transactions:

Financial services – Most banking services, interest payments, and insurance premiums. Residential rent – Rental income from residential properties. Donated goods and services – Items or services that are given away without payment.

Which services are exempt from GST?

Certain goods and services are exempt from GST due to their essential nature. This exemption applies based on the type of supply, not the supplier. Example: Healthcare services, educational services, and public utility services (e.g., water supply) are exempt from GST.

What items qualify for no GST?

The GST/HST break includes certain qualifying goods, such as:

  • Food.
  • Beverages.
  • Children's clothing and footwear.
  • Children's diapers.
  • Children's car seats.
  • Certain children's toys.
  • Jigsaw puzzles.
  • Video game consoles, controllers, and physical video games.

Is it mandatory to show GST on an invoice?

GST Invoice Format and Mandatory Details It Must Include

The invoice number and the date of the invoice. Name, address, and GSTIN of the supplier. Name, address, and GSTIN of the recipient (if registered)

Who is liable to pay GST on transportation charges?

The liability to pay GST devolves on the recipients for supply of services by a goods transport agency (GTA)who has not paid central tax at the rate of 6%, in respect of transportation of goods by road (in terms of notification no. 1137 F.T. (13/2017-Central Tax (Rate)) dated 28.06.

What is the GST code for freight?

The HSN code for freight under GST is 996531. It's essential for you to know this code when invoicing freight services.